A Guide To The Bodhisattva's Way of Life

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Bachelors Chapter I - The Benefit of the Awakening Mind.....2 Bachelors Chapter II - Disclosure of Evil ................................5 Bachelors Chapter III - Full Acceptance of the Awakening Mind.......................................................................................10 Bachelors Chapter IV - Conscientiousness ..........................13 Bachelors Chapter V - Guarding Alertness ..........................17 Bachelors Chapter VI - Patience ..........................................25 Bachelors Chapter VII - Enthusiasm ....................................35 Bachelors Chapter VIII - Meditation......................................41
Bodhisattvacharyavatara Shantideva
translated into English by Stephan Bachelor for the Library of Tibetan Works & Archives Dharmshala India
Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. I The benefit of the spirit of awakening
Bodhisattvacharyavatara, translated into English by Stephan Bachelor for the Library of Tibetan Works & Archives, Dharmshala India Bachelors Chapter I - The Benefit of the Awakening Mind la Respectfully I prostrate myself to the Sugatas Who are endowed with the Dharmakaya, As well as to their Noble Sons And to all who are worthy of veneration. lb Here I shall explain how to engage in the vows of the Buddhas' Sons, The meaning of which I have condensed in accordance with the scriptures. 2 There is nothing here that has not been explained before And I have no skill in the art of rhetoric; Therefore, lacking any intention to benefit others, I write this in order to acquaint it to my mind.
3 For due to acquaintance with what is wholesome, The force of my faith may for a short while increase because of these (words). If, however, these (words) are seen by others Equal in fortune to myself, it may be meaningful (for them). 4 Leisure and endowment' are very hard to find; And, since they accomplish what is meaningful for man, If I do not take advantage of them now, How will such a perfect opportunity come about again? 5 Just as a flash of lightning on a dark, cloudy night For an instant brightly illuminates all, Likewise in this world, through the might of Buddha, A wholesome thought rarely and briefly appears. 6 Hence virtue is perpetually feeble, The great strength of evil being extremely intense, And except for a Fully Awakening Mind By what other virtue will it be overcome?
7 All the Buddhas who have contemplated for many aeons Have seen it to be beneficial; For by it the limitless masses of beings Will quickly attain the supreme state of bliss. 8 Those who wish to destroy the many sorrows of (their) conditioned existence, Those who wish (all beings) to experience a multitude of joys, And those who wish to experience much happiness, Should never forsake the Awakening Mind. 9 The moment an Awakening Mind arises In those fettered and weak in the jail of cyclic existence, They will be named 'a Son of the Sugatas', And will be revered by both men and gods of the world. 10 It is like the supreme gold-making elixir, For it transforms the unclean body we have taken into the priceless jewel of a Buddha-Form Therefore firmly seize this Awakening Mind.
11 Since the limitless mind of the Sole Guide of the World Has upon thorough investigation seen its preciousness, All beings wishing to be free from worldly abodes Should firmly take hold of this precious Awakening Mind. 12 All other virtues are like the plantain tree; For after bearing fruit they simply perish. But the perennial tree of the Awakening Mind Unceasingly bears fruit and thereby flourishes without end. 13 Like entrusting myself to a brave man when greatly afraid By entrusting myself to this (Awakening Mind) I shall be swiftly liberated Even if I have committed extremely unbearable evils. Why then do the conscientious not devote themselves to this? 14 Just like the fire at the end of an age, It instantly consumes all great evil. Its unfathomable advantages were taught To the disciple Sudhana by the wise Lord Maitreya.
15 In brief, the Awakening Mind Should be understood to be of two types; The mind that aspires to awaken And the mind that ventures to do so. 16 As is understood by the distinction Between aspiring to go and (actually) going. So the wise understand in turn The distinction between these two. 17 Although great fruits occur in cyclic existence From the mind that aspires to awaken, An uninterrupted flow of merit does not ensue As it does with the venturing mind. 18 And for him who has perfectly seized this mind With the thought never to turn away From totally liberating The infinite forms of life. 19 From that time hence, Even while asleep or unconcerned. A force of merit equal to the sky Will perpetually ensue.
20 For the sake of those inclined towards the lesser (vehicle), This was logically asserted By the Tathagata himself In The Sutra Requested by Subahu. 21 If even the thought to relieve Living creatures of merely a headache Is a beneficial intention Endowed with infinite goodness, 22 Then what need is there to mention The wish to dispel their inconceivable misery, Wishing every single one of them To realize boundless good qualities? 23 Do even fathers and mothers Have such a benevolent intention as this? Do the gods and sages? Does even Brahma have it? 24 If those beings have never before Even dreamt of such an attitude For their own sake, How would it ever arise for the sake of others?
25 This intention to benefit all beings, Which does not arise in others even for their own sake, Is an extraordinary jewel of the mind, And its birth is an unprecedented wonder. 26 How can I fathom the depths Of the goodness of this jewel of the mind, The panacea that relieves the world of pain And is the source of all its joy? 27 If merely a benevolent intention Excels venerating the Buddhas, Then what need to mention striving to make All beings without exception happy? 28 Although wishing to be rid of misery, They run towards misery itself. Although wishing to have happiness, Like an enemy they ignorantly destroy it. 29 For those who are deprived of happiness And burdened with many sorrows It satisfies them with all ioy, Dispels all suffering, 30 And clears away confusion. Where is there a comparable virtue? Where is there even such a friend? Where is there merit similar to this?
31 If whoever repays a kind deed Is worthy of some praise, Then what need to mention the Bodhisattva Who does good without its being asked of him? 32 The world honors as virtuous A man who sometimes gives a little, plain food Disrespectfully to a few beings, That satisfies them for only half a day. 33 What need be said then of one who, eternally bestows the peerless bliss of the Sugatas Upon limitless numbers of beings, Thereby fulfilling all their hopes? 34 The Buddha has said that whoever hears an evil thought Against a benefactor such as that Bodhisattva Will remain in hell for as many aeons As there were evil thoughts. 35 But if a virtuous attitude should arise (in that regard). Its fruits will multiply far more than that. When Bodhisattvas greatly suffer they generate no negativity, Instead their virtues naturally increase.
36 I bow down to the body of him In whom the sacred precious mind is born. I seek refuge in that source of joy Who brings to happiness even those who harm him. -------------36 verses
Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. II The confession of sin
Bodhisattvacharyavatara, translated into English by Stephan Bachelor for the Library of Tibetan Works & Archives, Dharmshala India Bachelors Chapter II - Disclosure of Evil 1 In order to seize that precious mind I offer now to the Tathagatas, To the sacred Dharma, the stainless jewel, And to the Sons of Buddha, the oceans of excellence, 2 Whatever flowers and fruits there are And whatever kinds of medicine, Whatever jewels exist in this world And whatever clean refreshing waters; 3 Likewise gem-encrusted mountains, Forest groves, quiet and joyful places, Heavenly trees bedecked. with flowers And trees with fruit-laden branches; 4 Fragrances of the celestial realms, Incense, wishing trees and jewel trees, Uncultivated harvests, and all ornaments That are worthy to be offered;
5 Lakes and pools adorned with lotuses And the beautiful cry of wild geese, Everything unowned Within the limitless spheres of space. 6 Creating these things in my mind I offer them To the supreme beings, the Buddhas, as well as their Sons; 0 Compassionate Ones, think kindly of me And accept these offerings of mine. 7 Having no merit I am destitute And I have no other gifts to offer. 0 Protectors, you who think of helping others. By your power accept these for my sake. 8 Eternally shall I offer all my bodies To the Conquerors and their Sons. Please accept me, you Supreme Heroes. Respectfully shall I be your subject. 9 Through being completely under your care I shall benefit all with no fears of conditioned existence; I shall perfectly transcend my previous evils And in the future shall commit no more.
10 To very sweetly scented bathing chambers With brilliantly sparkling crystal floors And exquisite pillars ablaze with gems, Having canopies above aglow with pearls. 11 I beseech the Tathagatas and their Sons To come and bathe their bodies From many jeweled vases filled with waters scented and enticing, To the accompaniment of music and song. 12 Let me dry their bodies with incomparable cloths Clean and well-anointed with scent, And then may I present these Holy Beings With fragrant garments of suitable colors. 13 I adorn with manifold ornaments And various raiments fine and smooth, The Aryas Samantabhadra, Manjughosba Avalokiteshvara and all the others. 14 Just like polishing pure, refined gold Do I anoint the Buddhas' forms that blaze with light With the choicest perfumes whose fragrance permeates A thousand million worlds.
15 And to the highest objects of giving I offer Beautiful, well-arranged garlands, As well as enchanting, sweet smelling flowers, Such as lily, jasmine and lotus blooms. 16 Also I send forth clouds of incense Whose sweet aroma steals away the mind, As well as celestial delicacies Including a variety of foods and drinks. 17 I offer them jeweled lamps Arranged on golden lotus buds; Upon land sprinkled with scented water Do I scatter delicate flower petals. 18 To those who have the nature of compassion I offer palaces resounding with melodious hymns, Exquisitely illuminated by hanging pearls and gems That adorn the infinities of space. 19 Eternally shall I offer to all the Buddhas Jeweled umbrellas with golden handles And exquisite ornaments embellishing the rims, Standing erect, their shapes beautiful to behold.
20 And in addition may a mass of offerings Resounding with sweet and pleasing music, (Like) clouds that appease the misery of all, Each remain (for as long as necessary). 21 And may a continuous rain Of flowers and precious gems descend Upon the reliquaries and the statues, And upon all the jewels of Dharma. 22 In the same way as Manjughosha and others Have made offerings to the Conquerors, Similarly do I bestow gifts upon the Tathagatas, The Protectors, their Sons and all. 23 I glorify the Oceans of Excellence With limitless verses of harmonious praise; May these clouds of gentle eulogy Constantly ascend to their presence. 24 With bodies as numerous As all the atoms within the universe, I prostrate to all Buddhas of the three times, The Dharma and the supreme community. 25 Likewise I prostrate to all reliquaries, To the bases of an Awakening Mind, To all learned abbots and masters And to all the noble practitioners.
26 I seek refuge in all Buddhas Until I possess the essence of Awakening, Likewise I seek refuge in Dharma And in the assembly of Bodhisattvas. 27 With folded hands I beseech The Buddhas and Bodhisattvas Who possess the great compassion And reside in all directions. 28 Throughout beginningless cyclic existence In this life and in others, Unknowingly I committed evil deeds And ordered them to be done (by others). 29 Overwhelmed by the deceptions of ignorance I rejoiced in what was done, But now seeing these mistakes From my heart I declare them to the Buddhas. 30 Whatever harmful acts of body, speech and mind I have done in a disturbed mental state, Towards the three jewels of refuge, My parents, my spiritual masters and others;
31 And all the grave wrongs done by me, So thoroughly evil and polluted But an abundance of faults, I openly declare to the Guides of the World. 32 But I may well perish Before all my evils have been purified; So please protect me in such a way As will swiftly and surely free me from them. 33 The untrustworthy lord of death Waits not for things to be done or undone; Whether I am sick or healthy. This fleeting lifespan is unstable. 34 Leaving all I must depart alone. But through not having understood this I committed various kinds of evil For the sake of my friends and foes. 35 My foes will become nothing. My friends will become nothing. I too will become nothing. Likewise all will become nothing. 36 Just like a dream experience, Whatever things I enjoy Will become a memory. Whatever has passed will not be seen again.
37 Even within this brief life Many friends and foes have passed, But whatever unbearable evil I committed for them Remains ahead of me. 38 Thereby, through not having realized That I shall suddenly vanish, I committed so much evil Out of ignorance, lust and bate. 39 Remaining neither day nor night, Life is always slipping by And never getting any longer, Why will death not come to one like me? 40 While I am lying in bed, Although surrounded by my friends and relatives, The feeling of life being severed Will be experienced by me alone. 41 When seized by the messengers of death, What benefit will friends and relatives afford? My merit alone shall protect me then, But upon that I have never relied.
42 0 Protectors! I, so unconcerned, Unaware of such terror as this, Accumulated a great deal of evil For the sake of this transient life. 43 Petrified is the person Today being led to a torture chamber. With dry mouth and dreadful sunken eyes. His entire appearance is transfigured. 44 What need to mention the tremendous despair When stricken with the disease of great panic, Being clasped by the physical forms, Of the frightful messengers of death? 45 "Who can afford me real protection From this great horror?" With terrified, bulging eyes agape I shall search the four quarters for refuge. 46 But seeing no refuge there I shall become enveloped in gloom. If there should be no protection there, Then what shall I be able to do?
47 Therefore I now seek refuge In the Buddhas who protect the world, Who strive to shelter all that lives And with great strength eradicate all fear. 48 Likewise I purely seek refuge In the Dharma they have realized That clears away the fears of cyclic existence, And also in the assembly of Bodhisattvas. 49 I, trembling with fear, Offer myself to Samantabhadra; To Manjughosha also I make a gift of my body. 50 To the Protector Avalokiteshvara Who infallibly acts with compassion, I utter a mournful cry, Please protect this evil-doer! 51 In my search for refuge I cry from my heart For Akashagarbha, Ksitigarbha And all the Compassionate Protectors. 52 And I seek refuge in Vajrapani, Upon the sight of whom all harmful beings Such as the messengers of death Flee in terror to the four quarters.
53 Previously I transgressed your advice, But now upon seeing this great fear I go to you for refuge. By doing so may this fear be swiftly cleared away. 54 If I need to comply with a doctor's advice When frightened by a common illness, Then how much more so when perpetually diseased By the manifold evils of desire and so forth. 55 And if all people dwelling on this earth Can be overcome by just one of these, And if no other medicine to cure them Is to be found elsewhere in the universe, 56 Then the intention not to act in accordance With the advice of the All-Knowing Physicians That can uproot every misery, Is extremely bewildered and worthy of scorn. 57 If I need to be careful Near a small, ordinary precipice, Then how much more so near the one of long duration That drops for a thousand miles.
58 It is inappropriate to enjoy myself Thinking that today alone I shall not die, For inevitably the time will come When I shall become nothing. 59 Who can grant me fearlessness? How can I be surely freed from this? If I shall inevitably become nothing, How can I relax and enjoy myself? 60 What remains with me now From the terminated experiences of the past? But through my great attachment to them I have been going against my spiritual masters' advice. 61 Having departed from this life And from all my friends and relatives, If all alone I must go elsewhere What is the use of making friends and enemies? 62 How can I be surely freed From unwholesomeness, the source of misery? Continually night and day Should I only consider this.
63 Whatever has been done by me Through ignorance and unknowing, Be it the breaking of a vow Or a deed by nature wrong, 64 I humbly-confess it all In the presence of the Protectors, With folded hands, prostrating myself again and again, My mind terrified by the misery (to come). 65 I beseech all the Guides of the World To please accept my evils and wrongs. Since these are not good, In future I shall do them no more. -------------65 verses
Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. III Adopting the spirit of awakening
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Bodhisattvacharyavatara, translated into English by Stephan Bachelor for the Library of Tibetan Works & Archives, Dharmshala India Bachelors Chapter III - Full Acceptance of the Awakening Mind 1 Gladly do I rejoice In the virtue that relieves the misery Of all those in unfortunate states And that places those with suffering in happiness. 2 I rejoice in that gathering of virtue That is the cause for (the Arhat's) Awakening, I rejoice in the definite freedom of embodied creatures From the miseries of cyclic existence. 3 I rejoice in the Awakening of the Buddhas And also in the spiritual levels of their Sons. 4 And with gladness I rejoice In the ocean of virtue from developing an Awakening Mind That wishes all beings to be happy, As well as in the deeds that bring them benefit.
5 With folded hands I beseech The Buddhas of all directions, To shine the lamp of Dharma For all bewildered in misery's gloom. 6 With folded bands I beseech The Conquerors who wish to pass away, To please remain for countless aeons And not to leave the world in darkness. 7 Thus by the virtue collected Through all that I have done, May the pain of every living creature Be completely cleared away. 8 May I be the doctor and the medicine And may I be the nurse For all sick beings in the world Until everyone is healed. 9 May a rain of food and drink descend To clear away the pain of thirst and bunger And during the aeon of famine May I myself change into food and drink. 10 May I become an inexhaustible treasure For those who are poor and destitute; May I turn into all things they could need And may these be placed close beside them.
11 Without any sense of loss I shall give up my body and enjoyments As well as all my virtues of the three times For the sake of benefiting all. 12 By giving up all, sorrow is transcended And my mind will realize the sorrowless state. It is best that I (now) give everything to all beings In the same way as I shall (at death). 13 Having given this body up For the pleasure of all living beings, By killing, abusing and beating it May they always do as they please. 14 Although they may play with my body And make it a source of jest and blame, Because I have given it up to them What is the use of holding it dear? 15 Therefore I shall let them do anything to it That does not cause them any harm, And when anyone encounters me May it never be meaningless for him.
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16 If in those who encounter me A faithful or an angry thought arises, May that eternally become the source For fulfilling all their wishes. 17 May all who say bad things to me Or cause me any other harm, And those who mock and insult me Have the fortune to fully awaken. 18 May I be protector for those without one, A guide for all travelers on the way; May I be a bridge, a boat and a ship For all who wish to cross (the water). 19 May I be an island for those who seek one And a lamp for those desiring light, May I be a bed for all who wish to rest And a slave for all who want a slave. 20 May I be a wishing jewel, a magic vase, Powerful mantras and great medicine, May I become a wish-fulfilling tree And a cow of plenty for the world. 21 Just like space And the great elements such as earth, May I always support the life Of all the boundless creatures.
22 And until they pass away from pain May I also be the source of life For all the realms of varied beings That reach unto the ends of space. 23 Just as the previous Sugatas Gave birth to an Awakening Mind And just as they successively dwelt In the Bodhisattva practices; 24 Likewise for the sake of all that lives Do I give birth to an Awakening mind, And likewise shall I too Successively follow the practices. 25 In order to further increase it from now on, Those with discernment who have lucidly seized An Awakening Mind in this way, Should highly praise it in the following manner: 26 Today my life has (bome) fruit; (Having) well obtained this human existence, I've been born in the family of Buddha And now am one of Buddha's Sons.
27 Thus whatever actions I do from now on Must be in accord with the family. Never shall I disgrace or pollute This noble and unsullied race. 28 Just like a blind man Discovering a jewel in a heap of rubbish, Likewise by some coincidence An Awakening Mind has been born within me. 29 It is the supreme ambrosia That overcomes the sovereignty of death, It is the inexhaustible treasure That eliminates all poverty in the world. 30 It is the supreme medicine That quells the world's disease, It is the tree that shelters all beings Wandering and tired on the path of conditioned existence. 31 It is the universal bridge That leads to freedom from unhappy states of birth, It is the dawning moon of the mind That dispels the torment of disturbing conceptions.
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32 It is the great sun that finally removes The misty ignorance of the world, It is the quintessential butter From the churning of the milk of Dharma. 33 For all those guests traveling on the path of conditioned existence Who wish to experience the bounties of happiness, This will satisfy them with joy And actually place them in supreme bliss. 34 Today in the presence of all the Protectors I invite the world to be guests At (a festival of) temporary and ultimate delight, May gods, anti-gods and all be joyful. -------------33 verses
Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. IV Attending to the spirit of awakening
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Bodhisattvacharyavatara, translated into English by Stephan Bachelor for the Library of Tibetan Works & Archives, Dharmshala India Bachelors Chapter IV Conscientiousness 1 Having firmly seized the Awakening Mind in this way. A Conqueror's son must never waver; Always should he exert himself To never stray from his practice. 2 In the case of reckless actions Or of deeds not well considered, Although a promise may have been made it is fit to reconsider whether I should do them or not. 3 But how can I ever withdraw From what has been examined by the great wisdom Of the Buddhas and their Sons, And even many times by me myself? 4 If having made such a promise I do not put it into action, Then by deceiving every living being What kind of rebirth shall I take?
5 If it has been taught (by the Buddha) That he who does not give away The smallest thing he once intended to give Will take rebirth as a hungry ghost; 6 Then if I should deceive all beings After having sincerely invited them To the unsurpassable bliss, Shall I take a happy rebirth? 7 Only the Omniscient can discern The manner of the action of those Who give up the Awakening Mind but are freed; It is beyond the scope of (ordinary) thought. 8 This, for a Bodhisattva, Is the heaviest of downfalls, For should it ever happen, The welfare of all will be weakened. 9 And should others for even a single moment Hinder or obstruct his wholesome (deeds), By weakening the welfare of all There will be no end to their rebirth in lower states.
10 For if my being is impaired By destroying the joy of even one creature, Then what need is there to mention Destroying the joy of creatures vast as space. 11 Thus those who have the force of an Awakening Mind As well as the force of falling (from it) Stay revolving within cyclic existence And for a long time are hindered in reaching the Bodhisattva levels. 12 Therefore just as I have promised Shall I respectfully accord my actions. If from now on I make no effort I shall descend from lower to lower states. 13 Although for the benefit of every creature Countless Buddhas have passed by, Yet I was not an object of their care Because of my own mistakes. 14 And if I continue to act like this, Again and again shall I undergo (Suffering) in unhappy realms, sickness, bondage, Laceration and the shedding of blood.
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15 If the arising of a Tathagata, Faith, the attainment of a human body And my being fit to cultivate virtue are scarce, When will they be won again? 16 Although today I am healthy, Well-nourished and unafflicted, Life is momentary and deceptive: The body is like an object on loan for but a minute. 17 And with behavior such as this I shall not win a human body again, And if this human form is not attained There will be solely evil and no virtue. 18 If when I have the chance to live a wholesome life My actions are not wholesome, Then what shall I be able to do When confused by the misery of the lower realms? 19 And if I commit no wholesome deeds (there), But readily amass much evil, Then for a hundred million aeons I shall not even hear the words "a happy life".
20 For these very reasons, the Buddha has said That hard as it is for a turtle to insert its neck Into a yoke adrift upon the vast ocean, It is extremely hard to attain the human state." 21 If even by the evil of one instant An aeon may be spent in the deepest hell, Then because of the evil I have gathered since beginningless time, What need to mention, my not going to a happy realm. 22 But having experienced merely that (rebirth in hell) I shall still not be liberated; For while it is being experienced Other evil will be extensively produced. 23 So if, when having found leisure such as this, I do not attune myself to what is wholesome, There could be no greater deception And there could be no greater folly. 24 And if, having understood this, I still foolishly continue to be slothful, When the hour of death arrives Tremendous grief will rear its head.
25 Then if my body blazes for a long time In the unbearable flames of bell, Inevitably my mind will be tormented By the fires of unendurable remorse. 26 Having found by some coincidence This beneficial state that is so hard to find, If now while able to discriminate I once gain am led into the bells, 27 Then as though I were hypnotized by a spell I shall reduce this mind to nothing. Even I do not know what is causing me confusion, What is there dwelling inside me 28 Although enemies such as hatred and craving Have neither any arms nor legs, And are neither courageous nor wise, How have I been used like a slave by them? 29 For while they dwell within my mind At their pleasure they cause me harm, Yet I patiently endure them without any anger; But this is an inappropriate and shameful time for patience.
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30 Should even all the gods and anti-gods Rise up against me as my enemies, They could not lead nor place me in The roaring fires of deepest hell. 31 But the mighty foe, these disturbing conceptions, In a moment can cast me amidst (those flames) Which when met will cause not even the ashes Of the king of mountains to remain. 32 All other enemies are incapable Of remaining for such a length of time As can my disturbing conceptions, The enduring enemy with neither beginning nor end. 33 If I agreeably honor and entrust myself (to others) They will bring me benefit and happiness But if I entrust myself to these disturbing conceptions In future they will bring only misery and harm.
34 While in cyclic existence how can I be joyful and unafraid If in my heart I readily prepare a place For this incessant enemy of long duration, The sole cause for the increase of all that harms me? 35 And how shall I ever have happiness If in a net of attachment within my mind There dwell the guardians of the prison of cyclic existence, There (disturbing conceptions) that become my butchers and tormentors in hell? 36 Therefore as long as this enemy is not slain with certainty before my very eyes. I shall never give up exerting myself (towards that end). Having become angry at someone who caused only slight and short-lived harm. Self-important people will not sleep until their (enemy) is overcome. 37 And if while engaged in a violent battle, Vigorously desiring to conquer those whose disturbing conceptions will naturally bring them suffering at death, Men disregard the pain of being pierced by spears and arrows And will not withdraw until the day is won;
38 Then what need to mention that I should not be faint-hearted and slothful, Even if I am caused many hundreds of sufferings When now I strive to definitely overcome my natural enemies, (these disturbing conceptions) which are the constant source of my misery? 39 If even scars inflicted by meaningless enemies Are worn upon the body like ornaments, Then why is suffering a cause of harm to me Who impeccably strives to fulfill the great purpose? 40 If fishermen, hunters and farmers, Thinking merely of their own livelihood, Endure the sufferings of heat and cold, Why am I not patient for the sake of the worlds joy? 41 When I promised to liberate all those beings Dwelling in the ten directions as far as I the ends of space From their disturbing conceptions, I myself was not yet freed from mine.
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42 Thus unaware of even my own capacity, Was it not somewhat crazy to have spoken like that? But as this is so I must never withdraw From vanquishing my disturbing conceptions. 43 And to do this will be my sole obsession: Holding a strong grudge I shall meet them in battle! But disturbing conceptions such as these Destroy disturbing conceptions and (for the time being) are not to be (abandoned). 44 It would be better for me to be burned, To have my head cut off and to be killed, Rather than ever bowing down To those ever-present disturbing conceptions. 45 Common enemies when expelled from one country Simply retire and settle down in another, Though when their strength is recovered they return, But the way of this enemy, my disturbing conceptions is not similar in this respect.
46 Deluded disturbing conceptions! When forsaken by the eye of wisdom And dispelled from my mind, where will you go? Where will you dwell in order to be able to injure me again? But, weak-minded, I have been reduced to making no effort. 47 If these disturbing conceptions do not exist within the objects, the sense organs, between the two nor elsewhere, Then where do they exist and how do they harm the world? They are like an illusion - thus I should dispel within my heart and strive resolutely for wisdom. For no real reason, why should I suffer so much in hell? 48 Therefore having thought about this well, I should try to put these precepts into practice just as they have been explainedIf the doctors instructions are ignored, How will a patient in need of cure be healed by his medicines? -------------48 verses
Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. V Guarding introspection
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Bodhisattvacharyavatara, translated into English by Stephan Bachelor for the Library of Tibetan Works & Archives, Dharmshala India Bachelors Chapter V - Guarding Alertness 1 Those who wish to guard their practice Should very attentively guard their minds For those who do not guard their minds Will be unable to guard their practice. 2 In this world subdued and crazed elephants Are incapable of causing such harms As the miseries of the deepest hell Which can be caused by the unleashed elephant of my mind. 3 But if the elephant of my mind is firmly bound On all sides by the rope of mindfulness, All fears will cease to exist And all virtues will come into my hand. 4 Tigers, lions, elephants, bears, Snakes and all forms of enemies, The guardians of the hell worlds, Evil spirits and cannibals,
5 Will all be bound By binding my mind alone, And all will be subdued By subduing my mind alone. 6 The Perfect Teacher himself has shown That in this way all fears As well as all boundless miseries Originate from the mind. 7 Who intentionally created All the weapons for those in hell? Who created the burning iron ground? From where did all the women in hell ensue? 8 The Mighty One has said that all such things Are the workings of an evil mind, Hence within the three world spheres There is nothing to fear other than my mind. 9 If the perfection of generosity Were the alleviation of the world's poverty, Then since beings are still starving now In what manner did the previous Buddhas perfect it? 10 The perfection of generosity is said to be The thought to give all beings everything, Together with the fruit of such a thought Hence it is simply a state of mind.
11 Nowhere has the killing Of fish and other creatures been eradicated; For the attainment of merely the thought to forsake such things Is explained as the perfection of moral discipline. 12 Unruly beings are as unlimited as space; They cannot possibly all be overcome, But if I overcome thoughts of anger alone This will be equivalent to vanquishing all foes. 13 Where would I possibly find enough leather With which to cover the surface of the earth? But wearing leather just on the soles of my shoes Is equivalent to covering the earth with it. 14 Likewise it is not possible for me To restrain the external course of things; But should I restrain this mind of mine What would be the need to restrain all else? 15 Although the development of merely a clear state of concentration Can result in taking rebirth in Brahma's realm, Physical and vocal actions cannot so result When accompanied by weak mental conduct.
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16 The knower of reality has said That even if recitation and physical hardships Are practiced for long periods of time, They will be meaningless if the mind is distracted elsewhere. 17 Even those who wish to find happiness and overcome misery Will wander with no aim nor meaning If they do not comprehend the secret of the mind The paramount significance of Dharma. 18 This being so, I shall hold and guard my mind well. Without the discipline of guarding the mind, What use are many other disciplines? 19 Just as I would be attentive and careful of a wound When amidst a bustling uncontrolled crowd, So I should always guard the wound of my mind When dwelling among harmful people.
20 And if I am careful of a wound Through fear of it being slightly hurt, Then why do I not guard the wound of my mind Through fear of being crushed by the mountains of hell? 21 Should I behave in such a way as this, Then whether among harmful people Or even in the midst of women, The steady effort to control myself will not decline. 22 It is better to be without wealth, Honor, body and livelihood; And it is better to let other virtues deteriorate, Rather than ever to let the virtues of the mind decline. 23 O you who wish to guard your minds, I beseech you with folded hands; Always exert yourself to guard Mindfulness and alertness! 24 People who are disturbed by sickness Have no strength to do anything useful, Likewise those whose minds are disturbed by confusion Have no strength to do anything wholesome.
25 Whatever has been learnt, contemplated and meditated upon By those whose minds lack alertness, Just like water in a leaking vase, Will not be retained in their memory. 26 Even those who have much learning, Faith and willing perseverance Will become defiled by a moral fall Due to the mistake of lacking alertness. 27 The thieves of unalertness, In following upon the decline of mindfulness, Will steal even the merits I have firmly gathered So that I shall then proceed to lower realms. 28 The host of thieves who are my own disturbing conceptions Will search for a good opportunity, Having found it they will steal my virtue And destroy the attainment of life in a happy realm. 29 Therefore I shall never let mindfulness depart From the doorway of my mind. If it goes, I should recall the misery of the lower realms And firmly re-establish it there.
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30 Through staying in the company of spiritual masters, Through the instructions of abbots and through fear, Mindfulness will easily be generated In fortunate people who practice with respect. 31 "I am ever dwelling in the presence Of all the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas Who are always endowed With unobstructed vision." 32 By thinking in this way I shall mindfully develop a sense of shame, respect and fear. Also through doing this, Recollection of the Buddha will repeatedly occur. 33 When mindfulness is set with the purpose Of guarding the doorway of the mind, Then alertness will come about And even that which has gone will return. 34 When, just as I am about to act, I see that my mind is tainted with defilement, At such a time I should remain Unmovable, like a piece of wood.
35 Never should I look around Distractedly for no purpose: With a resolute mind I should always keep my eyes cast downwards. 36 But in order to relax the gaze For a short while I should look around, And if someone appears in my field of vision I should look at him and say, "Welcome." 37 To check if there is any danger on the path I should look again and again in the four directions. To rest, I should turn my head around And then look behind me. 38 Having examined both ahead and behind I should proceed to either come or go. Being aware of the necessity for such mindful alertness I should behave like this in all situations. 39 Once having prepared for an action with the thought, "My body will remain in such a way," Then periodically I should look to see How the body is being maintained.
40 With the utmost effort I should check To see that the crazed elephant of my mind Is not wandering off but is bound To the great pillar of thinking about Dharma. 41 Those who strive by all means for concentration Should not wander off even for a moment; By thinking, "How is my mind behaving?" They should closely analyze their mind. 42 But if I am unable to do this When afraid or involved in celebrations, then I should relax. Likewise it has been taught that at times of giving One may be indifferent to certain aspects of moral discipline. 43 I should undertake whatever deed I have intended to do And think of doing nothing other than it. With my mind applied to that task, I should set about for the time being to accomplish it.
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44 By acting in this way all will be done well. But by acting otherwise neither action will be done. Likewise there will be increase in the proximate disturbing conceptions That come from lack of alertness. 45 If I happen to be present While a senseless conversation is taking place Or if I happen to see show kind of spectacular show, I should abandon attachment towards it. 46 If for no reason I start digging the earth, Picking at the grass or drawing patterns on the ground, Then by recalling the advise of the Buddhas, I should immediately stop out of fear. 47 Whenever I have the desire To move my body or to say something, First of all I should examine my mind And then, with steadiness, act in the proper way. 48 Whenever there is attachment in my mind And whenever there is the desire to be angry, I should not do anything nor say anything, But remain like a piece of wood.
49 Whenever I have distracted thoughts, the wish to verbally belittle others, Feelings of self-importance or selfsatisfaction: When I have the intention to describe the faults of others, Pretension and the thought to deceive others; 50 Whenever I am eager for praise Or have the desire to blame others; Whenever I have the wish to speak harshly and cause dispute; At all such times I should remain like a piece of wood. 51 Whenever I desire material gain, honor, fame; Whenever I seek attendants or a circle of friends, And when in my mind I wish to be served; At all these times I should remain like a piece of wood. 52 Whenever I have the wish to decrease or to stop working for others And the desire to pursue my welfare alone, If motivated by such thoughts, a wish to say something occurs, At these times I should remain like a piece of wood.
53 Whenever I have impatience, laziness, cowardice, Shamelessness or the desire to talk nonsense; If thoughts of partiality arise, At these times too I should remain like a piece of wood. 54 Having in this way examined his mind for disturbing conceptions And for thoughts that strive for meaningless things, The courageous Bodhisattva should hold his mind steady Through the application of remedial forces. 55 Being very resolute and faithful, Steady, respectful, polite, With a sense of shame, apprehensive and peaceful, I should strive to make others happy. 56 I should not be disheartened by all the whims Of the childish who are in discord with one another I should know them to arise in their minds due to disturbing conceptions And therefore be kind towards them.
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57 In doing that which by nature is not unwholesome Both for the sake of myself and other sentient beings I should always hold my mind fast, Acting like an apparition, with no sense of self. 58 By thinking again and again That after a long time I have won the greatest leisure, Likewise I should hold my mind As utterly unshakeable as the king of mountains. 59 If, mind, you are not made unhappy When this body is dragged and tossed about By vultures greedy for flesh, Then why are you so concerned about it now? 60 Holding this body as "mine", Why, mind, do you guard it so? Since you and it are separate, What use can it be to you? 61 Why, confused mind, Do you not hold onto a clean, wooden form? Just what is the point of guarding This putrid, dirt-filled machine?
62 First of all, mentally separate The layers of skin from the flesh And then with the scalpel of discrimination Separate the flesh from the skeletal frame; 63 And having split open even the bones Look right down into the marrow. While examining this ask yourself, "Where is its essence?" 64 If, even when searching with such effort You can apprehend no essence, Then why with such much attachment Are you still guarding this body now? 65 What use is this body to you If its dirty insides are unfit for you to eat, If its blood is not fit to drink And if its intestines are not fit to be sucked? 66 At second best it is only fit to be guarded In order to feed the vultures and jackals. Truly this body of a human being Should only be employed in the practice of virtue.
67 But should you instead guard it with attachment Then what will you be able to do When it is stolen by the unsympathetic lord of death And given to the dogs and birds? 68 If servants are not given clothing and so forth When they are unable to be employed, Then why do you exhaust yourself looking after the flesh alone When even though caring for the body, it goes elsewhere? 69 Now having paid my body its wages, I shall engage it in making my life meaningful. But if my body is of no benefit, Then I shall not give it anything. 70 I should conceive of my body as a boat, A mere support for coming and going. And in order to benefit all others Transform it into a wish-fulfilling body. 71 Now, while there is freedom to act, I should always present a smiling face And cease to frown and look angry: I should be a friend and counsel of the world.
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72 I should desist from inconsiderately and noisily Moving around chairs and so forth, As well as from violently opening doors: I should always delight in humility. 73 The stork, the cat and the thief, By moving silently and carefully, Accomplish what they desire to do; A Bodhisattva too should always behave in this way. 74 With respect I should gratefully accept Unsought-after words that are of benefit And that wisely advise and admonish me. At all times I should be a pupil of everyone. 75 I should say, "Well said," to all those Who speak Dharma well, And if I see someone doing good I should praise him and be well pleased. 76 I should discreetly talk about the good qualities of others And repeat those that others recount. If my own good qualities are spoken about I should just know and be aware that I have them.
77 All deeds of others are the source of a joy That would be rare even if it could be bought with money. Therefore I should be happy in finding this joy In the good things that are done by others. 78 Through doing this I shall suffer no losses in this life And in future lives shall find great happiness. But the fault of disliking their good qualities will make me unhappy and miserable And in future lives I shall find great suffering. 79 When talking I should speak from my heart and on what is relevant, Making the meaning clear and the speech pleasing. I should not speak out of desire or hatred But in gentle tones and in moderation. 80 When beholding someone with my eyes, Thinking, "I shall fully awaken Through depending upon this being." I should look at him with an open heart and love.
81 Always motivated by great aspiration Or being motivated by the remedial forces, If I work in the fields of excellence, benefit and misery Great virtues will come about. 82 Endowed with wisdom and joy I should undertake all that I do, I need not depend upon anyone else In any actions that I undertake. 83 The perfections such as generosity Are progressively more exalted But for a little morality I should not forsake a great gift. Principally I should consider what will be of the most benefit for others. 84 When this is well understood, I should always strive for the welfare of others. The Far-Seeing Merciful Ones have allowed a Bodhisattva To do some actions that for others were forbidden.
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85 I should divide my food amongst those who have fallen to lower realms, Those without protection, and practitioners. And eat merely what is sufficient for myself. Except for the three robes I may give away all. 86 This body which is being used for the sacred Dharma Should not be harmed for only slight benefit. By my behaving in this way The wishes of all beings will be quickly fulfilled. 87 Those who lack the pure intention of compassion Should not give their body away. Instead, both in this and future lives, They should give it to the cause of fulfilling the great purpose. 88 The Dharma should not be explained to those who lack respect, To those who, like sick men, wear cloth around their heads, To those holding umbrellas, sticks or weapons, To those with covered heads,
89 Nor to a woman unaccompanied by a man. The vast and profound should not be taught to lesser beings, Although I should always pay equal respect To the Dharmas of the lesser and higher beings. 90 I should not communicate the Dharma of a lesser being To one who is a vessel for the vast Dharma. I must not forsake the Bodhisattva way of life, Nor mislead others by means of sutra or mantras. 91 When I spit or throw away the stick for cleaning my teeth, I should cover it up with earth. Also it is shameful to urinate and so forth In water or on land used by others. 92 When eating I should not fill my mouth, Eat noisily or with my mouth wide open. I should not sit with my legs outstretched Nor rub my hands together.
93 I should not sit alone in vehicles, upon beds Nor in the same room with the women of others. In brief, having observed or inquired about what is proper, I should not do anything that would be disliked by the people of the world. 94 I should not give directions with one finger, But instead indicate the way Respectfully with my right arm With all my fingers fully outstretched. 95 Nor should I wildly wave my arms about But should make my point With slight gestures and a snap of fingers. Otherwise I shall lose control. 96 Just as the Buddha lay down to pass away So should I lie in the desired direction when going to sleep, And first of all with alertness Make the firm decision to quickly rise again. 97 Although I am unable to practice all The limitless varieties of Bodhisattva conduct, I should certainly practice as much as has been mentioned here Of this conduct that trains the mind.
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98 Three times by day and three times by night I should recite The Sutra of the Three Heaps; For by relying upon the Buddhas and the Awakening Mind My remaining downfalls will be purified. 99 Whatever I am doing in any situation, Whether for myself or for the benefit of others, I should strive to put into practice Whatever has been taught for that situation. 100 There is no such thing as something That is not learned by a Conqueror's Son, Thus if I am skilled in living in this way Nothing will be non-meritorious. 101 Whether directly or indirectly, I should not do anything That is not for the benefit of others. And solely for the sake of sentient beings I should dedicate everything towards Awakening. 102 Never, even at the cost of my life, Should I forsake a spiritual friend who is wise in the meaning of the great vehicle And who is a great Bodhisattva practitioner.
103 I should practice entrusting myself to my spiritual master In the manner taught in The Biography of Shrisambhava. This and other advise spoken by the Buddha I can understand through reading the sutras. 104 I should read the sutras Because it is from them that the practices appear. To begin with, I should look at The Sutra of Akashagarba. 105 In addition I should definitely read The Compendium of all Practices again and again, Because what is to constantly practiced Is very well and extensively shown there. 106 Also I should sometimes look at the condensed Compendium of All Sutras. And I should make an effort to study The works by the same two titles composed by the exalted Nagarjuna. 107 I should do whatever is not forbidden in those works, And when I see a practice there, I should impeccably put it into action In order to guard the minds of worldly people.
108 The defining characteristic of guarding alertness In brief is only this: To examine again and again The condition of my body and mind. 109 Therefore I shall put this way of life into actual practice, For what can be achieved by merely talking about it? Will a sick man be benefited Merely by reading the medical texts? -------------109 verses
Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. VI The perfection of patience
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Bodhisattvacharyavatara, translated into English by Stephan Bachelor for the Library of Tibetan Works & Archives, Dharmshala India Bachelors Chapter VI - Patience 1. Whatever wholesome deeds. Such as venerating the Buddhas, and generosity That have been amassed over a thousand aeons Will all be destroyed in one moment of anger. 2 There is no evil like hatred, And no fortitude like patience. Thus I should strive in various ways To meditate on patience. 3 My mind will not experience peace if it fosters painful thoughts of hatred. I shall find no joy or happiness, Unable to sleep, I shall feel unsettled. 4 A master who has hatred Is in danger of being killed Even by those who for their wealth and happiness Depend upon his kindness.
5 By it, friends and relatives are disheartened; Though drawn by my generosity they will not trust me, In brief there is nobody Who lives happily with anger. 6 Hence the enemy, anger, Creates sufferings such as these, But whoever assiduously overcomes it Finds happiness now and hereafter. 7 Having found its fuel of mental unhappiness In the prevention of what I wish for And in the doing of what I do not want, Hatred increases and then destroys me. 8 Therefore I should totally eradicate The fuel of this enemy; For this enemy has no other function Than that of causing me harm. 9 Whatever befalls me I shall not disturb my mental joy; For having been made unhappy, I shall not accomplish what I wish And my virtues will decline.
10 Why be unhappy about something If it can be remedied? And what is the use of being unhappy about something if it cannot be remedied? 11 For myself and for my friends I want no suffering, no disrespect, No harsh words and nothing unpleasant; But for my enemies it is the opposite. 12 The causes of happiness sometimes occur But the causes for suffering are very many. Without suffering there is no renunciation. Therefore, mind, you should stand firm. 13 If some ascetics and the people of Karnapa Endure the pain of cuts and bums for no reason, Then for the sake of liberation Why have I no courage? 14 There is nothing whatsoever That is not made easier through acquaintance. So through becoming acquainted with small harms I should learn to patiently accept greater harms
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15 Who has not seen this to be so with trifling sufferings Such as the bites of snakes and insects, Feelings of hunger and thirst And with such minor things as rashes? 16 I should not be impatient With heat and cold, wind and rain, Sickness, bondage and beatings; For if I am, the harm they cause me will increase. 17 Some when they see their own blood Become especially brave and steady, But some when they see the blood of others Faint and fall unconscious. 18 These (reactions) come from the mind Being either steady or timid. Therefore I should disregard harms caused to me And not be affected by suffering. 19 Even when the wises are suffering Their minds remain very lucid and undefiled; For when war is being waged against the disturbing conceptions Much harm is caused at the times of battle.
20 The victorious warriors are those Who, having disregarded all suffering, Vanquish the foes of hatred and so forth; Common warriors slay only corpses. 21 Furthermore, suffering has good qualities: Through being disenheartened with it, arrogance is dispelled, Compassion arises for, those in cyclic existence, Evil is shunned and joy is found in virtue. 22 As I do not become angry With great sources of suffering such as jaundice, Then why be a angry with animate creatures? They too are provoked by conditions. 23 Although they are not wished for, These sicknesses arise; And likewise although they are not wished for, These disturbing conceptions forcibly arise. 24 Without thinking, "I shall be angry," People become angry with no resistance, And without thinking, I shall produce myself," Likewise anger itself is produced.
25 All mistakes that are And all the various kinds of evil Arise through the force of conditions: They do not govern themselves. 26 These conditions that assemble together Have no intention to produce anything, And neither does their product Have the intention to be produced. 27 That which is asserted as Primal Substance And that which is imputed as a Self, (Since they are unproduced) do not arise after having purposefully thought, "I shall arise (in order to cause harm.") 28 If they are unproduced and non-existent Then whatever wish they have to produce (harm will also not exist). Since (this Self) would permanently apprehend its objects, It follows that it would never cease to do so. 29 Furthermore if the Self were permanent It would clearly be devoid of action, like space. So even if it met with other conditions How could its unchanging (nature) be affected?
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30 Even if when acted upon (by other conditions) it remains as before, Then what could actions do to it? Thus if I say that this (condition) acts upon (a permanent Self), How could the two ever be (casually) related? 31 Hence everything is governed by other factors (which in turn) are governed by (others), And in this way nothing governs itself. Having understood this, I should not become angry With phenomena that are like apparitions. 32 - (If everything is unreal like an apparition) then who is there to restrain what (anger)? Surely (in this case) restraint would be inappropriate It would not be inappropriate. because (conventionally) I must maintain That in dependence upon restraining (anger) the stream of suffering is severed. 33 So when seeing an enemy or even a friend Committing an improper action, By thinking that such things arise from conditions I shall remain in a happy frame of mind.
34 If things were brought into being by choice, Then since no one wishes to suffer, Suffering wood not occur To any embodied creature. 35 Through not being careful People even harm themselves with thorns and other things, And for the sake of obtaining women and the like They become obsessed and deprive themselves of food. 36 And there are some who injure themselves Through the unmeritorious deeds Of hanging themselves, leaping from cliffs, Eating poison and unhealthy foods. 37 If, when under the influence of disturbing conceptions, People will even kill their treasured selves, How can they be expected not to cause harm To the bodies of other living beings? 38 Even if I cannot develop compassion for all such people Who through the arisal of disturbing conceptions, Set out to try and kill me and so forth, The last thing I should do is to become angry with them.
39 Even if it were the nature of the childish To cause harm to other beings, It would still be incorrect to be angry with them. For this would be like begrudging fire for having the nature to burn. 40 And even if the fault were temporary In they who are by nature reliable, It would still be incorrect to be angry. For this would be like begrudging space for allowing smoke to arise in it. 41 If I become angry with the yielder Although I am actually harmed by his stick, Then since he too is secondary, being in turn incited by hatred, 42 Previously I must have caused similar harm To other sentient beings. Therefore it is right for this harm to be returned To me who is the cause of injury to others. 43 Both the weapon and my body Are the causes of my suffering. Since he gave rise to the weapon and I to the body, With whom should I be angry?
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44 If in blind attachment I cling To this suffering abscess of a human form Which cannot bear to be touched, With whom should I be angry when it is hurt? 45 It is the fault of the childish that they are hurt, For although they do not wish to suffer They are greatly attached to its causes. So why should they be angry with others? 46 Just like the guardians of the hell worlds And the forest of razor-sharp leaves, So is this (suffering) produced by my actions; With whom therefore should I be angry? 47 Having been instigated by my own actions, Those who cause me harm come into being. If by these (actions) they should fall into hell Surely isn't it I who, am destroying them? 48 In dependence upon them I purify many evils By patiently accepting the harms that they cause. But in dependence upon me they will fall Into hellish pain for a very long time.
49 So since I am causing harm to them And they are benefiting me, Why, unruly mind, do you become angry In such a mistaken manner? 50 If my mind has the noble quality (of patience) I shall not go to hell, But although I am protecting myself (in this way) How will it be so for them? 51 Nevertheless, should I return the harm It will not protect them either. By doing so my conduct will deteriorate And hence this fortitude will be destroyed. 52 Since my mind is not physical In no way can anyone destroy it, But through its being greatly attached to my body it is caused harm by (physical) suffering. 53 Since disrespect, harsh speech And unpleasant words Do not cause any harm to my body, Why, mind, do you become so angry?
54 Because others will dislike me But since it will not devour me Either in this or in another life Why do I not want this (dislike)? 55 Because it will hinder my worldly gain Even if I do not want this I shall have to leave my worldly gains behind And my evil alone will remain unmoved. 56 Thus it is better that I die today Than live a long but wicked life; For even if people like me should live a long time, There will always be the suffering of death. 57 Suppose someone should awaken from a dream In which he experienced one hundred years of happiness, And suppose another should awaken from a dream In which he experienced just one moment of happiness; 58 For both of these people who have awoken That happiness will never return. Similarly, whether my life has been long or short, At the time of death it will be finished like this.
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59 Although I may live happily for a long time Through obtaining a great deal of material wealth, I shall go forth empty-handed and destitute just like having been robbed by a thief. 60 Surely material wealth will enable me to live, And then shall be able to consume evil and do good But if I am angry on account of it Will not my merit be consumed and evil increase? 61 And what use will be the life Of one who only commits evil, If for the sake of material gain He causes (the merits needed for) life to degenerate? 62 Surely I should be angry with those Who say unpleasant things that weaken other beings' (confidence in me) But in the same way why am I not angry With people who say unpleasant things about others?
63 If I can patiently accept this lack of confidence Because it is related to someone else, Then why am I not patient with unpleasant words (about myself) Since they are related to the arisal of disturbing conceptions? 64 Should others talk badly of or even destroy Holy images, reliquaries and the sacred Dharma. It is improper for me to resent it For the Buddhas can never be injured. 65 I should prevent anger arising towards those Who injure my spiritual masters, relatives and friends. Instead I should see, as in the manner shown before, That such things arise from conditions. 66 Since embodied creatures are injured By both animate beings and inanimate objects, Why only bear malice to the animate? It follows that I should patiently accept all harm.
67 Should one person ignorantly do wrong And another ignorantly become angry (with him), Who would be at fault? And who would be without fault? 68 Why did I previously commit those actions Because of which others now cause me harm? Since everything is related to my actions Why should I bear malice towards these (enemies)? 69 When I have seen this to be so, I should strive for what is meritorious (In order to) certainly bring about Loving thoughts between all. 70 For example, when a fire in one house Has moved into another house, It is right to get rid of straw and such things That will cause the fire to spread. 71 Likewise when the fire of hatred spreads To whatever my mind is attached, I should immediately get rid of it For fear of my merit being burned.
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72 Why is a man condemned to death not fortunate If he is released after having his hand cut off? Why am I who am experiencing human misery not fortunate If by that I am spared from (the agonies of) hell? 73 If I am unable to endure Even the mere sufferings of the present, Then why do I not restrain myself from being angry, Which will be the source of hellish misery? 74 For the sake of satisfying my desires I have suffered numerous burnings in hell, But by those actions I fulfilled the purpose Of neither myself nor others. 75 But now since great meaning will accrue From harm which is not even (a fraction) of that, I should indeed by solely joyful Towards such suffering that dispels the harms of all. 76 Should someone else find joyous happiness Upon praising (my enemy) as an excellent person, Why, mind, do you not praise him too And likewise make yourself happy?
77 That joyous happiness of yours Would be a source of joy, not something prohibited, A precept given by the Excellent Ones And a supreme (means) for assembling others. 78 It is said that others are made happy through (being praised) in this way. But if, in this way, you do not want (them to have) this happiness, Then, (since it makes them happy), you should cease giving wages and the like (to your servants). But you would be adversely affected both in this and future lives. 79 When people describe my own good qualities I want others to be happy too, But when they describe the good qualities of others I do not wish to be happy myself. 80 Having generated the Awakening Mind Through wishing all beings to be happy, Why should I become angry If they find some happiness themselves?
81 If I wish for all sentient beings to become Buddhas worshipped throughout the three realms, Then why am I tormented When I see them receiving mere mundane respect? 82 If a relative for whom I am caring And to whom I must give many things Should be able to find his own livelihood, Wouldn't I be happy, rather than angry? 83 If I do not wish for beings to have even this, How can I wish for them to awaken? And where is there an Awakening Mind In him who becomes angry when others receive things? 84 What does it matter if (my enemy) is given something or not? Whether he obtains it Or whether it remains in the benefactor's house, In either case I shall get nothing.
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85 So why, by becoming angry, do I throw away my merits, The faith (others have in me) and my good qualities? Tell me, why am I not angry (with myself) For not having the causes for gain? 86 Let alone not having any remorse About the evils that you committed, (0 mind), Why do you wish to compete with others Who have committed meritorious deeds? 87 Even if your enemy is made unhappy what is there for you to be joyful about? Your merely wishing (for him to be hurt) Did not cause him to be injured. 88 And even if he does suffer as you had wished, What is there for you to be joyful about? if you say, "For I shall be satisfied," How could there be anything more wretched than that? 89 This hook cast by the fishermen of disturbing conceptions Is unbearably sharp: Having been caught on it, It is certain that I shall be cooked In cauldrons by the guardians of hell.
90 The honor of praise and fame Will not turn into merit nor life; It will give me neither strength nor freedom from sickness, And will not provide any physical happiness. 91 If I were aware of what held meaning for me, What value would I find in these things? If all I want is (a little) mental happiness, I should devote myself to gambling, drinking and so forth. 92 If for the stake of fame I give away my wealth or get myself killed, What can the mere words (of fame) do then? Once I have died, to whom will they give pleasure? 93 When their sandcastles collapse, Children howl in despair; Likewise when my praise and reputation decline My mind becomes like a little child. 94 Since short-lived sounds are inanimate They cannot possibly think of praising me. But as it makes (the bestower of praise) happy, (My) reputation is a source of pleasure (for me)
95 But whether this praise is directed at myself or someone else How shall I be benefited by the joy (of he who bestows it)? Since that joy and happiness is his alone I shall not obtain even a part of it. 96 But if I do find happiness in his happiness Then surely I should feel the same way towards all? And if this were so then why am I unhappy When others find pleasure in that which brings them joy? 97 Therefore the happiness that arises From thinking, I am being praised", is invalid. It is only the behavior of a child. 98 Praise and so forth, distract me And also undermine my disillusion (with cyclic existence); I start to envy those who have good qualities And all the very best is destroyed. 99 Therefore, are not those who are closely involved in destroying my praise and the like Also involved in protecting me From falling into the unfortunate realms?
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100 I who am striving for freedom Do not need to be bound by material gain and honor. So why should I be angry With those who free me from this bondage? 101 Those who wish to cause me suffering Are like Buddhas bestowing waves of blessing. As they open the door for my not going to an unfortunate realm Why should I be angry with them? 102 But what if someone should obstruct my gaining merit With him too it is incorrect to be angry; For since there is no fortitude similar to patience Surely I should put it into practice. 103 If due to my own failings I am not patient with this (enemy), Then it is only I who am preventing myself From practicing this cause for gaining merit. 104 If without it something does not occur And if with it, it does come to be, Then since this (enemy) would be the cause of (patience) How can I say that he prevents it?
105 A beggar is not an obstacle to generosity When I am giving something away, And I cannot say that those who give ordination Are an obstacle to becoming ordained. 106 There are indeed many beggars in this world, But scarce are those who inflict harm; For if I have not injured others Few beings will cause me harm. 107 Therefore, just like treasure appearing in my house Without any effort on my behalf to obtain it, I should be happy to have an enemy For he assists me in my conduct of Awakening. 108 And because I am able to practice (patience) with him, He is worthy of being given The very first fruits of my patience, For in this way he is the cause of it. 109 But why should my enemy be venerated, He has no intention for me to practice patience? Then why venerate the sacred Dharma? (It too has no intention) but is a fit cause for practice.
110 But surely my enemy is not to be venerated For he intends to cause me harm But how could patience be practiced If, like doctors, people always strove to do me good? 111 Thus since patient acceptance is produced In dependence upon (one with) a very hateful mind, That person should be worthy of veneration just like the sacred Dharma, Because he is a cause of patience. 112 Therefore the Mighty One has said That the field of sentient beings is (similar to) a Buddha-field, For many who have pleased them Have thereby reached perfection. 113 A Buddha's qualities are gained From the sentient beings and the Conquerors alike, So why do I not respect them In the same way as I respect the Conquerors? 114 (Of course) they are not similar in the quality of their intentions But only in the fruits (that they produce); So it is in this respect that they have excellent qualities And are therefore (said to be) equal.
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115 Whatever (merit comes from) venerating one with a loving mind is due to the eminence of sentient beings. And in the same way the merit of having faith in Buddha Is due to the eminence of Buddha. 116 Therefore they are asserted to be equal In the share they have in establishing Buddha-qualities. But none of them are equal (in good qualities) With the Buddhas who are boundless oceans of excellence. 117 Even if the three realms were offered, It would be insufficient in paying veneration To those few beings in whom a mere share of the good qualities Of the Unique Assemblage of Excellence appears. 118 Thus since sentient beings have a share In giving rise to the supreme Buddhaqualities, Surely it is correct to venerate them As they are similar in merely this respect?
119 Furthermore, what way is there to repay (the Buddhas) Who grant immeasurable benefit And who befriend the world without pretension, Other than by pleasing sentient beings? 120 Therefore since benefiting these beings will repay Those who give their bodies and enter the deepest hell for their sake, I shall behave impeccably in all (that I do) Even if they cause me a great deal of harm. 121 When for their sake, those who are my Lords Have no regard even for their own bodies, Then why am I the fool so full of selfimportance? Why do I not act like a servant towards them? 122 Because of their happiness the Conquerors are delighted, But if they are harmed they are displeased. Hence by pleasing them I shall delight the Conquerors And by banning them I shall hurt the Conquerors.
123 Just as desirable sense-objects would give my mind no pleasure If my body was ablaze with fire, Likewise when living creatures are in pain There is no way for the Compassionate Ones to be pleased. 124 Therefore as I arm to living beings, Today I openly declare all my unwholesome acts That have brought displeasure to the Compassionate Ones. Please bear with me, 0 Lords, for this displeasure I have caused you. 125 From now on, in order to delight the Tathagatas I shall serve the universe and definitely cease (to cause harm). Although many beings may kick and stamp upon my head Even at the risk of dying may I delight the Protectors of the World (by not retaliating). 126 There is no doubt that those with the nature of compassion Regard all these beings (25 the same) as themselves. Furthermore, those who see (this Buddhanature) as the nature of sentient beings see the Buddhas themselves; Why then do I not respect (sentient beings)?
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127 (Pleasing living beings) delights the Tathagatas And perfectly accomplishes my own purpose as well. In addition it dispels the pain and misery of the universe, Therefore I should always practice it. 128 For example, should some of the king's men Cause harm to many people, Farsighted men would not return the harm Even if they were able (to do so). 129 For they see that (these men) are not alone But are supported by the might of the king. Likewise I should not underestimate Weak beings who cause me a little harm; 130 For they are supported by the guardians of hell And by all the Compassionate Ones. So (behaving) like the subjects of that fiery king I should please all sentient beings. 131 Even if such a king were to become angry, Could he cause the pain of bell, Which is the fruit I would have to experience By displeasing sentient beings?
132 And even if such a king were to be kind, He could not possibly grant me Buddhahood, Which is the fruit I would obtain By pleasing sentient beings. 133 Why do I not see That my future attainment of Buddhahood As well as glory, renown and happiness in this very life All come from pleasing sentient beings? 134 While in cyclic existence patience causes Beauty, health and renown. Because of these I shall live for a very long time And win the extensive pleasures of the universal Chakra Kings. -------------134 verses
Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. VII The perfection of zeal
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Bodhisattvacharyavatara, translated into English by Stephan Bachelor for the Library of Tibetan Works & Archives, Dharmshala India Bachelors Chapter VII - Enthusiasm 1. Having patience I should develop enthusiasm; For Awakening will dwell only in those who exert themselves. Just as there is no movement without wind, So merit does not occur without enthusiasm. 2. What is enthusiasm? It is finding joy in what is wholesome. Its opposing factors are explained As laziness, attraction to what is bad And despising oneself out of despondency. 3 Because of attachment to the pleasurable taste of idleness. Because of craving for sleep And because of having no disillusion with the misery of cyclic existence, Laziness grows very strong.
4 Enmeshed in the snare of disturbing conceptions, I have entered the snare of birth. Why am I still not aware That I live in the mouth of the lord of death? 5 Do I not see That he is systematically slaughtering my species? Whoever remains soundly asleep (Surely behaves) like a buffalo with a butcher. 6 When having blocked off every (escape) route The lord of death is looking (for someone to kill), How can I enjoy eating? And likewise how can I enjoy sleep? 7 For as long as death is actually approaching Then I shall accumulate merits Even if I then put a stop to laziness, What will be the use? That is not the time! 8 When this has not been done, when this is being done And when this is only half finished, Suddenly the lord of death will come. And the thought will occur "Oh no, I am done for!"
9 Their faces flowing with tears And their eyes red and swollen with sorrow, My relatives will finally lose hope And I shall behold the vision of the messengers of death. 10 Tormented by the memory of my evils And hearing the sounds of hell, In terror I shall clothe my body in excrement. What virtue can I do in such a delirious state? 11 If even in this life I shall be gripped with fear Like that of a live fish being rolled (in hot sand), Why even mention the unbearable agonies of hell That will result from my -unwholesome deeds? 12 How can I remain at ease like this When I have committed the actions (that will bear fruit) In my delicate infant's body encountering boiling acids In the hell of tremendous heat?
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13 Much harm befalls those with little forbearance And those who want results without making any effort. While clasped by death they shall cry like the gods, "Oh no, I am overcome by misery! 14 Relying upon the boat of a human (body), Free yourself from the great river of pain! As it is hard to find this boat again, This is no time for sleep, you fool. 15 Having rejected the supreme joy of the sacred Dharma This is a boundless source of delight, Why am I distracted by the causes for pain? Why do I enjoy frivolous amusements and the like? 16 Without indulging in despondency, I should gather the supports (for enthusiasm) And earnestly take control of myself. (Then by seeing) the equality between self and others I should practice exchanging self for others.
17 I should never indulge in despondency by entertaining such thoughts as, "How shall I ever awaken?" For the Tathagatas who speak what is true Have uttered this truth 18 "If they develop the strength of their exertion, Even those who are flies, mosquitoes, bees and insects Will win the unsurpassable Awakening Which is so hard to find." 19 So, if I do not forsake the Bodhisattvas' way of life Why should someone like myself who has been born in the human race Not attain Awakening, since I am able to recognize What is beneficial and what is of harm? 20 But nevertheless it frightens me to think That I may have to give away my arms and legs Without discriminating between what is heavy and what is light, I am reduced to fear through confusion.
21 For over countless myriads of aeons I have been cut, stabbed, burned, And flayed alive innumerable times But I have not awakened. 22 Yet the suffering involved in my awakening will have a limit; It is like the suffering of having an incision made in order to remove and destroy greater pain. 23 Even doctors eliminate illness With unpleasant medical treatments, So in order to overcome manifold sufferings I should be able to put up with some discomfort. 24 But the Supreme Physician does not employ Common medical treatments such as these, With an extremely gentle technique He remedies all the greatest ills. 25 At the beginning, the Guide of the World encourages The giving of such things as food. Later, when accustomed to this, One may progressively start to give away even one's flesh.
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26 At such a time when my mind is developed To the point of regarding my body like food, Then what hardship would there be When it came to giving away my flesh? 27 Having forsaken all evil there would be no suffering And due to wisdom there would be no lack of joy; But now my mind is afflicted by mistaken conceptions And my body is caused harm by unwholesome deeds. 28 As their bodies are happy due to their merits And their minds are happy due to their wisdom, Even if they remained in cyclic existence for the sake of others Why would the Compassionate Ones ever be upset? 29 Due to the strength of his Awakening Mind, The Bodhisattva consumes his previous evils And harvests oceans of merit: Hence he is said to excel the Shravakas.
30 So, having mounted the horse of an Awakening Mind That dispels all discouragement and weariness, Who, when they know of this mind that proceeds from joy to joy, Would ever lapse into despondency? 31 The supports when working for the sake of living beings Are aspiration," steadfastness, joy and rest Aspiration is developed through fear of misery And by contemplating the benefits of (aspiration) itself. 32 Thus in order to increase my enthusiasm I should strive to abandon its opposing forces, To (amass the supports of) aspiration, selfconfidence, joy and rest, To practice in earnest and to become strong in self-control. 33 I shall have to overcome The boundless faults of myself and others, And (in order to destroy) each of these faults (alone) (I may have to strive until) an ocean of aeons is exhausted.
34 But if within myself I do not perceive Even a fraction of the perseverance (required) to exhaust these faults, Then why do I not have a heart attack? For now I have become an abode for infinite misery. 35 Likewise I shall have to realize Many excellent qualities for myself and others, And (in order to attain) each of these qualities (alone) I may have to acquaint myself with its cause until an ocean of aeons is exhausted. 36 But I have never developed acquaintance with even a fraction of these excellences How strange it is to squander This birth I have found by some coincidence. 37 I have not made offerings to the Lord Buddhas, I have not given the pleasure of great festivals, I have not performed actions for the teachings, I have not fulfilled the wishes of the poor,
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38 I have not granted fearlessness to the frightened And I have not given happiness to the weak. All I have given rise to is The agonies in the mother's womb, and to suffering. 39 Both now and in previous lives Such deprivation has arisen Because of my lack of aspiring for the Dharma? Who would ever reject this aspiring for Dharma? 40 The Mighty One himself has said That aspiration is the root of every facet of virtue; Its root is constant acquaintance With the ripening-effects (of actions). 41 (Physical) pain, mental unhappiness, All the various kinds of fear, As well as separation from what is desired All arise from an unwholesome way of life. 42 (However) by committing wholesome actions Which are (motivated by aspiration) in, the mind, Wherever I go I shall be presented with Tokens of the fruit of that merit.
43 But by committing evil (actions), Although I may wish for happiness, Wherever I go I shall be completely overcome By weapons of pain (caused) by my evil life. 44 As a result of virtue I shall dwell in the spacious, fragrant and cool heart of a lotus flower, My radiance will be nourished by the food of the Conqueror's sweet speech, My glorious form will spring from a lotus unfolded by the Mighty One's light, And as a Bodhisattva I shall abide in the presence of the Conquerors. 45 But as a result of non-virtue my skin will be ripped off by the henchmen of Yama, In this feeble state liquid copper melted by tremendous heat will be poured into my body. Pierced by flaming swords and daggers, my flesh will be cut into a hundred pieces And I shall tumble upon the fiercely blazing iron ground.
46 Therefore I should aspire for virtue And with great respect acquaint myself with it. Having undertaken the wholesome in the manner of Vairadhvaja. I should then proceed to acquaint myself with self-confidence. 47 First of all I should examine well what is to be done To see whether I can pursue it or cannot undertake it. (If I am unable) it is best to leave it, But once I have started I must not withdraw. 48 (If I do), then this habit will continue in other lives And evil and misery will increase, Also other actions done at the time of its fruition Will be weak and will not be accomplished. 49 Self-confidence should be applied to (wholesome) actions, The (overcoming) of disturbing conceptions and my ability (to do this). Thinking, "I alone shall do it," Is the self-confidence of action.
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50 Powerless, their minds disturbed, People in this world are unable to benefit themselves. Therefore I shall do it (for them) Since unlike me these beings are incapable. 51 (Even) if others are doing inferior tasks Why should I sit here (doing nothing)? I do not do those tasks because of selfimportance; It would be best for me to have no such pride. 52 When crows encounter a dying snake, They will act as though they were eagles. (Likewise) if (my self-confidence) is weak I shall be injured by the slightest downfall. 53 How can those who out of faint-heartedness have given up trying Find liberation because of this deficiency? But even the greatest (obstacle) will find it hard to overcome 54 Therefore with a steady mind I shall overcome all falls, For if I am defeated by a fall My wish to vanquish the three realms will become a joke.
55 I will conquer everything And nothing at all shall conquer me! I, a son of the Lion-like Conqueror, Should remain self-confident in this way. 56 Whoever has self-importance is destroyed by it: He is disturbed and has no self-confidence. For those with self-confidence do not succumb to the power of the enemy, Whereas the former are under the sway of the enemy of self-importance. 57 Inflated by the disturbing conception of my self-importance, I shall be led by it to the lower realms. it destroys the joyous festival of being human. I shall become a slave, eating the food of others, 58 Stupid, ugly, feeble and everywhere disrespected. Tough people bloated by conceit Are also counted among the self-important; Tell me, what is more pathetic than this?
59 Whoever seizes self-confidence in order to conquer the enemy of self-importance, He is the self-confident one, the victorious hero, And in addition, whoever definitely conquers the spread of this enemy, self-importance, Completely (wins) the fruit of a Conqueror, fulfilling the wishes of the world. 60 If I find myself amidst a crowd of disturbing conceptions I shall endure them in a thousand ways; Like a lion among foxes I will not be affected by this disturbing host. 61 just as men will guard their eyes When great danger and turmoil occur, Likewise I shall never be swayed by the disturbances within my mind, Even at times of great strife. 62 It would be better for me to be burned, To have my head cut off and to be killed, Rather then ever bowing down To those ever-present disturbing conceptions. (So likewise in all situations I should do nothing other than what is fit)
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63 Just like those who yearn for the Fruits Of Play, (A Bodhisattva) is attracted To whatever task he may do: He never has enough) it only brings him joy. 64 Although people work in order to be happy, It is uncertain whether or not they will find it; But how can those whose work itself is joy Find happiness unless they do it? 65 If I feel that I never have enough sensual objects, Which are like honey smeared upon a razor's edge, Then why should I ever feel that I have enough merit which ripens in happiness and peace? 66 Thus in order to complete this task, I shall venture into it just as an elephant tormented by the midday sun Plunges into a (cool, refreshing) lake. 67 When my strength declines, I should leave whatever I am doing In order to be able to continue with it later. Having done something well, I should put it aside With the wish (to accomplish) what will follow.
68 Just as an old warrior approaches The swords of an enemy upon the battlefront, So shall I avoid the weapons of the disturbing conceptions And skillfully bind this enemy 69 If someone dropped his sword during a battle, He would immediately pick it up out of fear. Likewise if I lose the weapon of mindfulness I should quickly retrieve it, being afraid of hell. 70 Just as poison spreads throughout the body In dependence upon the (circulation of) blood, Likewise if (a disturbing conception) finds an opportunity Unwholesomeness will permeate my mind. 71 Those who practice should be as attentive As a frightened man carrying a jar full of mustard oil Who is being threatened by someone with a sword That be will be killed if he spills just one drop.
72 Just as I would swiftly stand up If a snake came into my lap, Likewise if any sleep or laziness occur I shall quickly turn them back. 73 Each time something unwholesome occurs I should criticize myself, And then contemplate for a long time That I shall never let this happen again. 74 "Likewise in all these situations I shall acquaint myself with mindfulness." With this (motivation) as a cause I shall aspire To meet (with teachers) or accomplish the tasks (they assign me). 75 In order to have strength for everything I should recall before undertaking any action The advice in (the chapter on) conscientiousness, And then joyfully rise (to the task). 76 Just as the wind blowing back and forth Controls (the movement of) a piece of cotton, so shall I be controlled by joy, And in this way accomplish everything. -------------75 verses
Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. VIII - Meditation
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Bodhisattvacharyavatara, translated into English by Stephan Bachelor for the Library of Tibetan Works & Archives, Dharmshala India Bachelors Chapter VIII - Meditation 1. Having developed enthusiasm in this way, I should place my mind in concentration. For the man whose mind is distracted Dwells between the fangs of disturbing conceptions. 2. But through solitude of body and mind No distractions will occur; Therefore I should forsake the worldly life And completely discard distorted conceptions. 3. Worldly life is not forsaken because of attachment (to people) And due to craving for material gain and the like; Therefore I should entirely forsake these things, For this is the way in which the wise behave.
4. Having understood that disturbing conceptions are completely overcome By superior insight endowed with calm abiding, First of all I should search for calm abiding. This is achieved through the genuine joy of those unattached to worldly life. 5. Because of the obsession one transient being Has for other transient beings, He will not see his beloved ones again For many thousands of lives. 6. Not seeing them I am unhappy And my mind cannot be settled in equipoise; Even if I see them there is no satisfaction And, as before, I am tormented by craving. 7. Through being unattached to living beings I am completely obscured from the perfect reality, My disillusion (with cyclic existence) perishes And in the end I am tortured by sorrow. 8. By thinking only of them, This life will pass without any meaning. (Furthermore) impermanent friends and relatives Will even destroy the Dharma (which leads to) permanent (liberation).
9. If I behave in the same way as the childish I shall certainly proceed to lower realms, And if I am led there by those unequal (to the Noble Ones), What is the use of entrusting myself to the childish? 10. One moment they are friends And in the next instant they become enemies. Since they become angry even in joyful situations, It is difficult to please ordinary people. 11. They are angry when something of benefit is said And they also turn me away from what is beneficial. If I do not listen to what they say, They become angry and hence proceed to lower realms. 12. They are envious of superiors, competitive with equals, Arrogant towards inferiors, conceited when praised, And if anything unpleasant is said they become angry; Never is any benefit derived from the childish.
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13. Through associating with the childish, There will certainly ensure unwholesomeness Such as praising myself and belittling others And discussing the joys of cyclic existence. 14. Devoting myself to others in this way Will bring about nothing but misfortune. Because they will not benefit me And I shall not benefit them. 15. I should flee far away from childish people. When they are encountered, though, I should please them by being happy. I should behave well merely out of courtesy. But not become greatly familiar. 16. In the same way as a bee takes honey from a flower, I should take merely (what is necessary) for the practice of Dharma But remain unfamiliar As though I had never seen them before. 17. "I have much material wealth as well as honor, And many people like me," Nurturing self-importance in this way I shall be made terrified after death.
18. So, you thoroughly confused mind, By the pilling up of whatever objects You are attached to, Misery a thousandfold will ensue. 19. Hence the wise should not be attached, (Because) fear is born from attachment. With a firm mind understand well That it is the nature of these things to be discarded! 20. Although I may have much material wealth, Be famous and well spoken of, Whatever fame and renown I have amassed Has no power to accompany me (after death). 21. If there is someone who despises me What pleasure can I have in being praised? And if there is another who praises me What displeasure can I have in being despised? 22. If even the Conqueror was unable to please The various inclinations of different beings, Then what need to mention an evil person such as I? Therefore I should give up the intention (to associate with) the worldly.
23. They scorn those who have no material gain And say bad things about those who do; How can they who are by nature so hard to get along with Ever derive any pleasure (from me)? 24. It has been said by the Tathagatas That one should not befriend the childish, Because unless they get their own way These children are never happy. 25. When shall I come to dwell in forests Amongst the deer, the birds and the trees, That say nothing unpleasant And are delightful to associate with? 26. When dwelling in caves, In empty shrines and at the foot of trees, Never look back -Cultivate detachment. 27. When shall I come to dwell In places not clung to as "mine" Which are by nature wide and open And where I may behave as I wish without attachment?
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28. When shall I come to live without fear Having just a begging bowl and a few odd things, Wearing clothes not wanted by anyone And not even having to hide this body? 29. Having departed to the cemeteries, When shall I come to understand That this body of mine and the skeletons of others Are equal in being subject to decay? 30. Then, because of its odor, Not even the foxes Will come close to this body of mine; For this is what will become of it. 31. Although this body arose as one thing, The bones and flesh with which it was created Will break up and separate. How much more so will friends and others? 32. At birth I was born alone And at death too I shall die alone; As this pain cannot be shared by others, What use are obstacle-making friends?
33. In the same way as travelers on a highway (Leave one place) and reach (another), Likewise those traveling on the path of conditioned existence (Leave) one birth and reach (another). 34. Until the time comes for this body To be supported by four pall-bearers While the worldly (stand around) stricken with grief, Until then I shall retire to the forest. 35. Befriending no one and begrudging no one, My body will dwell alone in solitude. If I am already counted as a dead man, When I die there will be no mourners. 36. And as there will be no one around To disturb me with their mourning, Thus there will be no one to distracted me From my recollection of the Buddha. 37. Therefore I shall dwell alone, Happy and contented with few difficulties, In very joyful and beautiful forests, Pacifying all distractions.
38. Having given up all other intentions, Being motivated by only one thought, I shall strive to settle my mind in equipoise (by means of calm abiding) And to subdue it (with superior insight). 39. Both in this world and the next Desires give rise to great misfortune: In this life killing, bondage and flaying, And in the next the existence of the hells. 40. For the sake of (women) many requests Are first of all made between go-betweens, All forms of evil and even notoriety Are not avoided for their sake. 41. I engaged in fearful deeds for them And will even consume my wealth, But these (very bodies of others) That I greatly enjoy in the sexual embrace 42. Are nothing other than skeletons, They are not autonomous and are identityless. Rather than being so desirous and completely obsessed, Why do I not go to the state beyond sorrow (instead)?
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43. In the first place I made efforts to lift (her veil) And when it was raised she bashfully looked down. Previously whether anyone looked or not, Her face was covered with a cloth. 44. But now why do I run away Upon directly beholding This face that disturbs the mind As it is being revealed to me by the vultures? 45. (Previously) I completely protected (her body) When others cast their eyes upon it. Why, miser, do you not protect it now While it is being devoured by these birds? 46. Since vultures and others are eating This pile of meat that I behold, Why did I offer flower garlands, sandalwood and ornaments To that which is now the food of others? 47. If I am frightened by the skeletons I see, Even though they do not move, Why am I not frightened by walking corpses Which are moved around by a few (impulses)?
48. Although I am attached to it when it is covered (with skin) Why do I not desire it when it is uncovered? Since I have no need for it then, Why copulate with it when it is covered? 49. Since both excrement and saliva Arise solely from food, Why do I dislike excrement And find joy in saliva? 50. Cotton too is soft to the touch, But while I find no (sexual) delight in a pillow I think that (a woman's body) does not emit a putrid odor, Lustful one, you are confused as to what is unclean! 51. Thinking that they cannot sleep with this cotton Although it is soft to the touch, Confused, negative and lustful people Become angry towards it (instead). 52. If I am not attached to the unclean, Then why do I copulate with the lower parts of others' bodies Which are merely cages of bones tied together with muscles, Plastered over with the mud of flesh?
53. I myself contain many unclean things Which I constantly experience; So why, because of an obsession for uncleanliness, Do I desire other bags of filth? 54. - But it is the flesh that I enjoy I this is what I wish to touch and behold, Why do I not desire it in its natural state devoid of any mind? 55. Furthermore, any mind that I may desire Is unable to be touched or behold, And whatever I am able to touch will not be mental; So why indulge in this meaningless copulation? 56. It is not so strange that I do not understand The bodies of others to be of an unclean nature, But it is indeed strange that I do not understand My very own body to be by nature unclean.
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57. Having forsaken the young lotus flower Unfolded by means of sunlight free from cloud, Why, with a mind craving for what is unclean, Do I revel in a cage of filth? 58. Since I do not wish to touch A place that is smeared with excrement, Then why do I wish to touch the body From which that (excrement) arose? 59. If I am not attached to what is unclean, Why do I copulate with the lower parts of others' bodies Which arise from the unclean field (of a womb) And are produced by the seeds within it? 60. I have no wish for a small dirty maggot Which has come from a pile of filth, So why do I desire this body which by nature is grossly unclean, For it too was produced by filth? 61. Not only do I not disparage The uncleanliness of my own body, But because of an obsession for what is unclean I desire other bags of filth as well.
62. Even attractive things such as savory foods, Cooked rice and vegetables, Make the ground dirty and unclean, Should they be spat out after being in the mouth. 63. Although such uncleanliness is obvious, If I still have doubts I should go to the cemeteries And look at the unclean bodies (of others) That have been thrown away there. 64. Having realized that when their skin is rent open They give rise to a great deal of fear, How will such things as these Ever again give rise to joy? 65. The scents with which someone's body is anointed Are sandalwood and the like, but not that of the other's body, So why am I attached to others' (bodies) Because of scents that are other (than theirs)? 66. Since the body has a naturally foul odor, Isn't it good to be unattached to it? Why do those who crave for the meaningless things of the world Anoint this body with pleasant scents?
67. And furthermore, if it is the pleasant scent of sandalwood, How can it come from the body? So why am I attached to others' (bodies) Because of scents that are other (than theirs)? 68. Since the naked body (left) in its natural state Is very frightening due to its long hair and nails, Its yellowish foul-smelling teeth And its being coated with the odor of dirt, 69 Why do I make such an effort to polish it Like (cleaning) a weapon that will cause me harm? Hence the entire world is disturbed with insanity Due to the exertions of those who are confused about themselves. 70. When my mind rises (above worldly concerns), Through having behold nothing but skeletons in the cemetery, Will there be any joy in graveyard cities Which are filled with moving skeletons? 71. Furthermore, these unclean (female bodies) Are not found without paying a price: In order to obtain them I exhaust myself And (in future) will be injured in the hells.
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72. As a child I am unable to increase my wealth, And as a youth what can I do (being unable to afford a wife)? At the end of life when I have the wealth, Being an old ma, what good will sex be then? 73. Some evil and lustful people Wear themselves out by working all day And when they return home (in the evening) Their exhausted bodies lie prostrate like corpses. 74. Some have the suffering of being disturbed by travel And having to go a long way from home. Although they long for their spouses, They do not see them for years at a time. 75. And some who wish for benefit Due to confusion, even sell themselves for the sake of (women and the like); But not attaining what they wish, They are aimlessly driven by the winds of others' actions.
76. Some sell their own bodies And without any power are employed by others. Even when their wives give birth Their children fall at the feet of trees and in lonely places. 77. Some fools who are deceived by desire, Wishing for a livelihood think, "I shall earn my living (as a soldier);" Then, although afraid of losing their lives, they go to war And become slaves for the sake of profit. 78. Some lustful people even cut their bodies, Others impale themselves on the points of sticks, Some stab themselves with daggers, And others burn themselves - such things as these are quite apparent. 79. Due to the torment involved in collecting it, protecting and finally losing it, I should realize wealth to be fraught with infinite problems, Those who are distracted by their attachment to it Have no opportunity to gain freedom from the misery of conditioned existence.
80. In the same way as animals drawing carriages Are only able to eat a few mouthfuls of grass, Likewise desirous people Have many disadvantages such as these and little (profit). 81. And since even animals can obtain that (little profit), Those who are pained by their (previous) actions Waste these leisures and endowments so difficult to find For the sake of something trivial that is not so scarce. 82. The objects of desire will certainly perish And then I shall fall into hellish states. But Buddhahood itself is attained With just one millionth of the difficulty. 83. Involved in continually exhausting myself For the sake of what is not very great. (Hence) the desirous experience greater misery than (those following) the Awakening way of life But (for them) there is no Awakening.
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84. When having contemplated the miseries of hell, (It will be clear that) there is nothing comparable To the harm caused to desirous beings By weapons, poison, fire, ravines and foes. 85. Having in this way developed disillusion with desire, I should generate joy for solitude. The fortunate ones stroll in peaceful forests, Devoid of disputes and disturbing conceptions. 86. (They live) in joyful houses of vast flat stones, Cooled by the sandal-scented moonlight, Fanned by the peaceful, silent forest breeze, Thinking of what is of benefit for others. 87. They dwell for as long as they wish In empty houses, at the feet of trees and in caves, Having abandoned the pain of clinging to and guarding (possessions), They abide independent, free of care. 88. Living as they choose, desireless, Having no ties with anyone Even the powerful have difficulty finding A life as happy and content as this.
89. Having in such ways as these Thought about the excellences of solitude, I should completely pacify distorted conceptions And meditate on the Awakening Mind. 90-186 Missing -------------186 verses

A Guide To The Bodhisattva's Way of Life

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Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. I The benefit of the spirit of awakening

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. I The benefit of the spirit of awakening

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. I The benefit of the spirit of awakening

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. II The confession of sin

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. II The confession of sin

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. II The confession of sin

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. II The confession of sin

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. II The confession of sin

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. III Adopting the spirit of awakening

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. III Adopting the spirit of awakening

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. III Adopting the spirit of awakening

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. IV Attending to the spirit of awakening

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. IV Attending to the spirit of awakening

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. IV Attending to the spirit of awakening

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. IV Attending to the spirit of awakening

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. V Guarding introspection

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. V Guarding introspection

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. V Guarding introspection

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. V Guarding introspection

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. V Guarding introspection

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. V Guarding introspection

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. V Guarding introspection

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. V Guarding introspection

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. VI The perfection of patience

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. VI The perfection of patience

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. VI The perfection of patience

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. VI The perfection of patience

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. VI The perfection of patience

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. VI The perfection of patience

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. VI The perfection of patience

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. VI The perfection of patience

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. VI The perfection of patience

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. VI The perfection of patience

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. VII The perfection of zeal

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. VII The perfection of zeal

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. VII The perfection of zeal

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. VII The perfection of zeal

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. VII The perfection of zeal

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. VII The perfection of zeal

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. VIII - Meditation

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. VIII - Meditation

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. VIII - Meditation

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. VIII - Meditation

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. VIII - Meditation

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. VIII - Meditation

Batchelor Shantidevas Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chap. VIII - Meditation

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